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“Dyslexia affects about 5–17% of children in the United States, with many more showing related reading and language processing difficulties.” — International Dyslexia Association
"Up to 15–20% of the population may have some symptoms of dyslexia—such as slow or inaccurate reading, poor spelling, or difficulty with language processing—even if not all will qualify for special education.” — International Dyslexia Association
What is dyslexia?
What is dyslexia?
According to the International Dyslexia Association “Dyslexia is a specific learning disability characterized by difficulties in word reading and/or spelling that involve accuracy, speed, or both and vary depending on the orthography. These difficulties occur along a continuum of severity and persist even with instruction that is effective for the individual’s peers. The causes of dyslexia are complex and involve combinations of genetic, neurobiological, and environmental influences that interact throughout development. Underlying difficulties with phonological and morphological processing are common but not universal, and early oral language weaknesses often foreshadow literacy challenges. Secondary consequences include reading comprehension problems and reduced reading and writing experience that can impede growth in language, knowledge, written expression, and overall academic achievement. Psychological well-being and employment opportunities also may be affected. Although identification and targeted instruction are important at any age, language and literacy support before and during the early years of education is particularly effective.”
What is a dyslexia screening?
What is a dyslexia screening?
It’s a brief set of activities that look at the early skills needed for reading. It is not a diagnosis, but it can show whether a child might need extra support or a full evaluation.
What does a dyslexia screening look at?
What does a dyslexia screening look at?
A dyslexia screening usually checks:
Letter-sound skills – matching letters with the sounds they make
Phonemic awareness – hearing, identifying, and playing with sounds in words
Rapid naming – how quickly a child can name letters, numbers, or pictures
Early reading skills – sounding out words or recognizing simple words
Family history – whether dyslexia runs in the family
Many parents are surprised to learn that dyslexia is a medical diagnosis, not a special education eligibility category under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA. This distinction can feel confusing and frustrating—especially when your child clearly struggles with reading, but the school is talking about terms like Specific Learning Disability instead of dyslexia.
At PLACE, we help families understand how these two systems connect. While schools use educational categories to determine services and supports, medical diagnoses like dyslexia provide valuable insight into why a child is struggling and what types of instruction and interventions are most effective. Our role is to bridge that gap—helping you understand how a dyslexia diagnosis can inform school-based evaluations, guide eligibility decisions, and shape meaningful IEP or 504 supports. You don’t have to navigate the medical and educational systems alone—we help translate the language, clarify the process, and advocate for supports that truly meet your child’s needs.
What happens during the screening?
What happens during the screening?
A trained educator or specialist spends a short time with your child doing fun, low-pressure tasks such as:
Saying the first or last sound in a word
Naming pictures or letters
Listening to words and breaking them into parts
Most kids see it as a game.
What do the results tell you?
What do the results tell you?
The screening can help answer questions like:
Is my child on track with early reading skills?
Does my child show signs that they may need extra support?
Would a full dyslexia or reading evaluation be helpful?
Why is a dyslexia screening helpful?
Why is a dyslexia screening helpful?
Because the earlier dyslexia is identified, the sooner children can get the right support. Early help can make reading easier, reduce frustration, and build confidence.
Get Clarity. Start with a Dyslexia Screening.
Take the first step toward understanding your child’s reading profile and what support can make a difference.
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